Podcast
Thy Strong Word from KFUO Radio
Hosted by KFUO Radio · EN
Thy Strong Word reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations.
Thy Strong Word is hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, and graciously underwritten by the Lutheran Heritage Foundation.
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Ecclesiastes 3:1–15: Turn, Turn, Turn: For Everything There is a Season
Apr 1500:54:47Tap to summarizeFor everything there is a season: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to pluck up. The poem is so famous it became a pop song, which is ironic given that Qoheleth's point is how little control you have over any of it. God has made everything beautiful in its time and set eternity in the human heart, yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. What is, already has been. What is to be, already has been. God seeks what has been driven away. The Rev. Jeremy Loesch, pastor of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, Newark, DE, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ecclesiastes 3:1–15. To learn more about Our Redeemer in Newark, visit ourredeemernewark.org.What does a man gain from all his toil under the sun? Solomon asked that question three thousand years ago, and it still cuts. Ecclesiastes is the Bible's most unflinching book about work, wealth, wisdom, and the ache nothing in this life can fill. It is also one of the most pastoral, because the Preacher tells the truth about death, time, and meaning without leaving the reader in despair. Pastor Booe and guest pastors from across the Synod study it verse by verse, following Solomon's argument to where it finally lands: fear God and keep His commandments. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Transcribe →Ecclesiastes 2:12–26: Equal Opportunity Grave: The Wise Man Dies Just Like the Fool
Apr 1400:57:19Tap to summarizeThe Preacher turns from his experiments to face the one fact that wrecks every human résumé: the wise man and the fool end up in the same hole. Qoheleth hates life for a minute because all his toil will be handed over to someone who did not work for it, and who may turn out to be a fool. Then he pivots. Eat, drink, and find enjoyment in your toil, because even that comes from the hand of God. To the one who pleases Him, God gives wisdom, knowledge, and joy; to the sinner He gives the business of gathering and collecting, only to hand it to someone else. The Rev. Sean Willman, pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hillsdale, MI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ecclesiastes 2:12–26. To learn more about St. Paul's in Hillsdale, visit stpauls-hillsdale.org.What does a man gain from all his toil under the sun? Solomon asked that question three thousand years ago, and it still cuts. Ecclesiastes is the Bible's most unflinching book about work, wealth, wisdom, and the ache nothing in this life can fill. It is also one of the most pastoral, because the Preacher tells the truth about death, time, and meaning without leaving the reader in despair. Pastor Booe and guest pastors from across the Synod study it verse by verse, following Solomon's argument to where it finally lands: fear God and keep His commandments. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Transcribe →Ecclesiastes 1:12–2:11: Been There, Done Everything: Solomon's Experiment in Excess
Apr 1300:53:15Tap to summarizeThe Preacher sets up the grandest controlled experiment in history: what if you had unlimited resources and tried every possible avenue to meaning? Wisdom, pleasure, laughter, wine, building projects, slaves, herds, silver, gold, concubines. Solomon held nothing back, and his conclusion is devastating. All of it was vanity and a striving after wind, and there was nothing to be gained under the sun. The pleasure chapter is not a permission slip; it is a crash report filed by the richest man who ever lived. The Rev. Donald Stein, pastor of St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Rockton, IL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ecclesiastes 1:12–2:11. To learn more about St. Andrew Lutheran, visit standrewrockton.com.What does a man gain from all his toil under the sun? Solomon asked that question three thousand years ago, and it still cuts. Ecclesiastes is the Bible's most unflinching book about work, wealth, wisdom, and the ache nothing in this life can fill. It is also one of the most pastoral, because the Preacher tells the truth about death, time, and meaning without leaving the reader in despair. Pastor Booe and guest pastors from across the Synod study it verse by verse, following Solomon's argument to where it finally lands: fear God and keep His commandments. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Transcribe →Ecclesiastes 1:1-11: Vanity of Vanities! All is Vanity!
Apr 1000:57:03Tap to summarizeThe Preacher (Qoheleth) takes the stage and delivers his verdict before the book even gets going: everything is vapor. Generations rise and fall, the sun runs its circuit, the rivers pour into a sea that never fills, and the eye and ear are never satisfied. Whatever has been is what will be, and there is nothing new under the sun. Qoheleth sets the terms for everything that follows in Ecclesiastes, forcing an honest look at life lived "under the sun" apart from what God reveals from above. The Rev. Robert Smith, pastor emeritus in Ft. Wayne, IN, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Ecclesiastes 1:1-11. What does a man gain from all his toil under the sun? Solomon asked that question three thousand years ago, and it still cuts. Ecclesiastes is the Bible's most unflinching book about work, wealth, wisdom, and the ache nothing in this life can fill. It is also one of the most pastoral, because the Preacher tells the truth about death, time, and meaning without leaving the reader in despair. Pastor Booe and guest pastors from across the Synod study it verse by verse, following Solomon's argument to where it finally lands: fear God and keep His commandments. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Transcribe →The Book of Ecclesiastes
Apr 1000:00:30Tap to summarizeWhat does a man gain from all his toil under the sun? Solomon asked that question three thousand years ago, and it still cuts. Ecclesiastes is the Bible's most unflinching book about work, wealth, wisdom, and the ache nothing in this life can fill. It is also one of the most pastoral, because the Preacher tells the truth about death, time, and meaning without leaving the reader in despair. Pastor Booe and guest pastors from across the Synod study it verse by verse, following Solomon's argument to where it finally lands: fear God and keep His commandments. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Transcribe →Numbers 36: Keeping Inheritance in the Tribe and Closing the Book
Apr 900:54:37Tap to summarize"Let them marry whom they think best, only they must marry within the clan of the tribe of their father." The Book of Numbers closes with a practical question about inheritance and tribal identity. When the daughters of Zelophehad prepare to marry, their inheritance could pass to another tribe. In this final chapter, we see that God cares about the details of His people's lives and the preservation of their inheritance. This earthly concern points us to the eternal inheritance that can never be lost, kept in heaven for those who belong to Christ.The Rev. John Lukomski, pastor emeritus and co-host of Wrestling with the Basics on KFUO Radio, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Numbers 36.The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway. In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people. These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Transcribe →Numbers 35: Sanctuary Cities and Levitical Cities
Apr 800:57:05Tap to summarize"The cities shall be for you a refuge from the avenger." God commands Israel to establish forty-eight cities for the Levites, including six cities of refuge where those who have accidentally killed another may flee. In this chapter, we encounter a profound picture of the Gospel. The manslayer must remain in the city of refuge until the death of the high priest, after which he may return home free. Christ, our great High Priest, has died, and in Him we find eternal refuge from the judgment our sins deserve. The Rev. Dr. Curtis Deterding, pastor emeritus in Ft. Meyers, FL, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Numbers 35.The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway. In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people. These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Transcribe →Numbers 33 and 34: Borders of the Promised Land and Those Who Divide it
Apr 700:52:15Tap to summarize"This is the land that shall fall to you for an inheritance." Before Israel sets foot in Canaan, God defines its precise boundaries. Every border is established by divine decree, and leaders are appointed to oversee the distribution. In this chapter, we see that God's gifts are not vague promises but concrete realities with defined limits. The Promised Land was real geography for real people, just as our inheritance in Christ is a real kingdom prepared for those who trust in Him.The Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, host of Thy Strong Word, goes solo to study Numbers 33 and 34.The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway. In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people. These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Transcribe →Numbers 32: East-of-Jordan Tribes Promise to Fight
Apr 100:56:53Tap to summarize"We will not return to our homes until each of the people of Israel has gained his inheritance." The tribes of Reuben and Gad see the lush pastureland east of the Jordan and request to settle there. Moses fears a repeat of the faithless spies, but these tribes promise to lead Israel into battle before returning to their chosen territory. In this chapter, we learn that receiving God's blessings does not exempt us from serving alongside our brothers and sisters. The body of Christ advances together. The Rev. Roger Mullet, pastor of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Buffalo, WY, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Numbers 32.To learn more about Prince of Peace, visit buffalowylcms.org.The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway. In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people. These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Transcribe →Numbers 29: The Calendar of Sacrifice, Part 2
Mar 2700:51:48Tap to summarize"On the fifteenth day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation." The sacred calendar continues with the Feast of Trumpets, the Day of Atonement, and the Feast of Booths. The sheer number of sacrifices during Booths is staggering, reaching its climax on the seventh day before tapering on the eighth. In this chapter, we see Israel's entire year oriented around worship and atonement. These feasts find their fulfillment in Christ, who is our trumpet call, our atonement, and the one who tabernacles among us.The Rev. Steven Theiss, pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church in New Wells, MO, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Numbers 29. The Book of Numbers is far more than an ancient census report. It is the story of a people learning to trust God in the wilderness, and failing, and finding grace anyway. In this series, host Pastor Phil Booe and guest pastors walk through the Old Testament book of Numbers chapter by chapter. We follow Israel from Sinai toward the Promised Land, through grumbling and rebellion, fiery serpents and a talking donkey, faithless spies and faithful priests. The journey is hard, the failures are many, and God remains faithful to a faithless people. These ancient accounts point us to Christ. The bronze serpent lifted on a pole points to the cross. The rock struck for water points to the one struck for us. The high priest whose death frees the manslayer points to the Great High Priest whose death sets us free forever. Join us as we discover that the wilderness has more to teach us than we ever expected. Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.
Transcribe →